Rodri singles out Casemiro’s underappreciated trait every top midfield needs | OneFootball

Casemiro’s turnaround at Manchester United deserves serious study.

When Ruben Amorim took charge, the Brazilian was widely tipped to be among the first names out the door. In the opening 13 matches of Amorim’s tenure, Casemiro did not feature in nine.

At the time, most were convinced he was living on borrowed time at the Theatre of Dreams, destined to be one of the early casualties of the new regime.

But the 33-year-old did not sulk. He stayed professional, continued to work hard at Carrington, and put in the work in the gym, quietly waiting for his chance.

Hard work pays off

That chance came in the Europa League knockouts, where he dropped a standout performance against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena, a display that changed everything.

Since then, he has become a regular fixture in Amorim’s line-up.

Talk of a United exit fizzled out. By the start of this new season, Casemiro was comfortably starting in midfield, a clear signal that Amorim still relied on him.

Standard setter

While some critics claim he has lost his athleticism, few can question his commitment to staying in shape and setting the tone at United.

Insiders at the club now say, with increasing regularity, that the ex-Real Madrid man looks leaner than ever, a physical transformation they believe has elevated his performances.

Reportedly, Casemiro boasts the lowest body fat percentage in Amorim’s squad.

He has become a benchmark for younger players at Carrington, a daily example of professionalism and resilience.

Influence beyond Carrington

And that influence is not confined to Carrington.

In a recent chat with ESPN, Manchester City’s Rodri was asked to build his ideal midfielder, combining attributes from some of the game’s best.

He picked traits from elite names like Kevin De Bruyne and Andrés Iniesta. But when asked whose work rate he would choose, Rodri did not hesitate; he named Casemiro.

Rivalry aside, hearing an arch-rival praise Casemiro’s resilience and effort is so satisfying for one of the game’s underappreciated stars.

Hopefully, the young Red Devils at Carrington are taking notes and learning a thing or two from a veteran who may be on his last dance at Old Trafford, with his contract set to expire next summer.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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